Charleston: Horse & Carriage Tour with Historic Sights

Summary

Stories, laughter, and old Charleston from a carriage seat

You’ll ride through Charleston’s historic streets by horse & carriage with a local guide who brings old stories to life. Expect close-up moments with gentle horses, views of Rainbow Row and The Battery, and a chance to see stately mansions from a new angle. It’s an hour where you’ll slow down and feel part of the city’s rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the horses to be so calm — or that I’d get to pat one before we climbed into the carriage. The air in downtown Charleston was thick with magnolia and something sweet I couldn’t name. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of talking that made even the quietest side street feel like it had a secret. She pointed out Rainbow Row right away (the colors really do look different depending on the light), and I caught myself grinning at how she joked about the city’s “Holy City” nickname — apparently, it’s less about saints and more about steeples poking above everything else.

The clip-clop of hooves was kind of hypnotic, honestly. We rolled past the Nathaniel Russell House and Jamie told us about its spiral staircase — I still can’t picture how they built that thing without power tools. At The Battery, you could smell salt from the water, and there were kids chasing each other under the live oaks. Sometimes Jamie would pause mid-story when someone waved from their porch (which happened more than once). It felt like everyone here knows everyone else.

I kept thinking how strange it is to see these grand old houses up close while sitting behind a horse — like time folds over itself for an hour. When we circled back to the City Market, I realized I’d barely checked my phone once. There’s something about seeing Charleston this way that sticks with you longer than photos do. Maybe it’s just the rhythm of those hooves or maybe it’s Jamie’s laugh echoing off brick walls — either way, it felt honest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Charleston historic carriage sightseeing

• Start at Historic City Market
• Visit The Battery and White Point Garden
• See Rainbow Row
• View Nathaniel Russell House
• Stop at St. Philips Church
• Return to Historic City Market

Top questions

How long does the Charleston horse & carriage tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour from start to finish.

Where does the horse & carriage tour in Charleston start?

All tours begin and end at the Historic City Market in downtown Charleston.

Which sights are included on the carriage tour?

Sights may include Rainbow Row, The Battery and White Point Garden, St Philips Church, Nathaniel Russell House, and various historic streets depending on your route.

Is pickup included for this day trip in Charleston?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the Historic City Market for departure.

Are children allowed on the Charleston carriage ride?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed but infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Can you interact with the horses before or after the tour?

Yes, you have an opportunity to engage with the horses up close before or after your ride.

How are routes chosen for each carriage tour?

The route is assigned by a City of Charleston Tourism official prior to departure; operators cannot select specific routes in advance.

How often do tours depart during the day?

Tours depart approximately every 30 minutes starting at 9:30am; your specific time is assigned at check-in.

What’s included

Your hour in Charleston includes a fully narrated group horse & carriage ride through historic downtown with a professional local guide leading stories along every turn. You’ll have chances for photos with gentle horses before or after your tour and see highlights like gardens, parks, stately mansions, churches, and famous streets—finishing back at City Market where your next adventure can begin.